The Grapes of Wrath at the National Theatre

The late Frank Galati won the Tony Award for Best Play for his adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath. The novel itself bagged writer John Steinbeck the Pulitzer and is regarded as one of the great American novels. Curious, then, that it arrives now on our shores under the direction of Carrie Cracknell. The dustbowl of Oklahoma and its surrounding states and the hardship inflicted upon its inhabitants might, initially, appear too foreign and removed from us. The themes of the novel, and indeed the play, however, are far closer to home.

We are introduced to the Joad family: farmers, they have been forced out of their land due to their banks evicting them but also because of increasing mechanisation. They need work. The world as they know it is changing fast. The promise of California allures them and so the entire family up sticks in pursuit of the American Dream. It turns out, in many ways, to be a nightmare. 

Alex Eales’s set is simply stunning. From the make-shift truck to tents to an actual pool that the actors jump into – no detail is missed out. The designer more than delivers. The same can be said of the musicians, who also add to the rich tapestry of the play. Maimuna Memon has a voice that commands our undivided attention. With the assistance of Morgan Burgess and Rachel Barnes, each emotive moment is wonderfully punctuated.

Harry Treadaway – as our protagonist – fully embodies Tom Joad. Natey Jones as former pastor Jim Casy is a joy to behold, captivating us whenever on stage. Tony Award-winning Cherry Jones offers a truly grounded and authentic portrayal of Ma. The actor is complemented by an esteemed ensemble who display the very best in theatre talent. Each and every member illustrates this picture of broken America with a profound realness.

Those unfamiliar with the novel may well find the play’s ending a surprise. Those knowledgeable will revel in the adaptation’s loyalty to its source material. At close to three hours, this is a slow burn. For some, it might not ever ignite. For others, they will experience Steinbeck’s portrait of a forgotten, yet sadly still pertinent time, realised.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Richard Hubert Smith

The Grapes of Wrath is at the National Theatre from 17^th July until 14^th September 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for The Grapes of Wrath at the National Theatre here: